Introduction
Welcome to Eat This Not That’s guide to the most popular drink in every state! From classic cocktails to regional specialties, this guide will take you on a journey across the United States to discover the unique and beloved drinks that each state has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summertime beverage or a cozy winter warmer, you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst. So, grab a glass and let’s get started!
The Most Popular Drink in Every State — Eat This Not That
When it comes to drinks, everyone has their own favorite. But what about the most popular drink in each state? We’ve done the research to find out which drinks are the most popular in each state, so you can make sure you’re always sipping on the right thing.
Alabama: Sweet Tea
It’s no surprise that sweet tea is the most popular drink in Alabama. This classic Southern beverage is a staple in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Sweet tea is refreshing, easy to make, and pairs perfectly with a plate of fried chicken.
Alaska: Coffee
Alaska is known for its cold weather, so it’s no surprise that coffee is the most popular drink in the state. Whether it’s a hot cup of joe or an iced latte, Alaskans love their coffee.
Arizona: Margarita
When it comes to drinks, nothing says Arizona like a margarita. This classic tequila-based cocktail is the perfect way to cool off in the hot desert sun. Whether you prefer it frozen or on the rocks, a margarita is the perfect way to enjoy a night out in Arizona.
Arkansas: Sweet Tea
Just like Alabama, sweet tea is the most popular drink in Arkansas. This classic Southern beverage is a staple in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Sweet tea is refreshing, easy to make, and pairs perfectly with a plate of fried chicken.
California: Wine
California is known for its wine, so it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular drink in the state. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a bold red, California has something for everyone. So grab a glass and enjoy the best of what California has to offer.
Colorado: Craft Beer
Colorado is known for its craft beer, so it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular drink in the state. From IPAs to stouts, Colorado has something for everyone. So grab a pint and enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer.
Conclusion
No matter what state you’re in, there’s sure to be a popular drink that you can enjoy. From sweet tea in Alabama to craft beer in Colorado, there’s something for everyone. So grab a glass and enjoy the best of what each state has to offer.
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Sure, soda isn’t the best thing in the world for you. And energy drinks and fruit juice aren’t the greatest, either. But if you’re a supporter of the “everything in moderation” mentality, you might indulge in a sweetened beverage from time to time. You could, of course, go for a classic drink like Coke or Pepsi—or you could go with a regional beverage like Cheerwine or Faygo.
And if you’re curious about what everyone else in your state is drinking, you’re in luck! We used Google Trends to find the most popular drink in every state. Based on looking at the topic “Soft Drinks” in each state through Google Trends, we were able to see what the most popular searched drinks are for each state. We then looked at popular related topics within this category for each state to determine the most popular searched drink. (For some states, Dr Pepper Cream Soda was at the top because it launched in March 2020, which was part of the time frame we used for the data collection. We excluded that for variety, but the new drink is worth a try if you’re a Dr Pepper fan.)
Many are sodas, but some states preferred drinks like lemonade or sweet tea. Here’s every state’s most-searched beverage—did your favorite make the cut? (Plus, check out The Best & Worst Sodas in America—Ranked!)
A tried-and-true classic, Dr Pepper (yes, it’s stylized without the period) has many fans in Alabama. And while Alabamans may claim this soda now, its roots lie in Texas. A pharmacist invented the cinnamon-flavored soda in 1885 in Waco, Texas—there’s even a Dr Pepper Museum in its honor.
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Nope, soda isn’t the most popular drink in The Last Frontier! Alaskans prefer Red Bull, which now comes in flavors like coconut berry and tropical.
Yes, Tab is still around! This soda, originally introduced in the 1960s, still has loyal fans, especially in Arizona.
The go-to cure for a stomachache, ginger ale really does hit the spot. Arkansas residents know what’s up!
Whether Californians are referring to Barq’s or to homemade cream soda, they’re definitely onto something. Vanilla cream soda is a delicious treat, and it pairs well with any summer food.
Sweet tea isn’t just a Southern delight! Coloradoans are searching for this summertime drink, too.
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Squirt was created in Arizona, but it’s popular in Connecticut, too. The drink is citrus-flavored and caffeine-free—and, yes, that does sound a lot like Sprite.
The doctor strikes again! Delaware residents can’t get enough of this unique soda.
Squirt is more popular than you might think! Florida joins Connecticut in its love for this citrus soda.
This soft drink has been around for decades, although you may never have heard of it. Today, you can buy Nehi in a variety of fruit flavors, like peach, orange, and grape.
Hawaii residents like to cool off with a classic drink! Diet Coke is a mainstay among popular sodas, so it’s no surprise that it’s the most-searched beverage in multiple states.
Idaho is another state that loves Diet Coke. Maybe it pairs well with those Idaho potatoes?
You probably have a friend who swears by Mexican coke. But what about Mexican fruit soda? Jarritos comes in many delicious fruit flavors, and it’s the perfect complement to a plate of tacos.
Tonic water was technically Indiana’s most-search drink. But we don’t consider that a soft drink, so we’re going with the runner-up, Sierra Mist. Some may say it’s just PepsiCo’s answer to Sprite, but real fans know the two are completely different.
That’s three states that love Squirt! If you haven’t tried this soda yet, this list just might convince you to give it a shot.
Kansas does, indeed, want a Fanta. We just want to know if Kansans love the classic orange flavor best or if they gravitate toward the other fruit options, like lemon and pineapple.
Root beer: You either love it or hate it. Many Kentucky residents, though, fall into the former camp. More root beer floats for them!
The classic lemon-lime soda, Sprite had to make an appearance on this list. We wouldn’t mind enjoying this soda with a nice Po’Boy sandwich.
Maine is another state in favor of root beer. A&W for the win.
Jones soda was created in Canada, but Maryland residents love the stuff, too. It comes in flavors like berry lemonade, strawberry lime, and green apple.
Massachusetts residents love to “do the Dew.” We hope every can brings as much joy as this 2015 Super Bowl commercial for Mountain Dew Kickstart.
A 7-11 classic, Slurpees are the ultimate frozen treat. Michigan knows what’s up.
Whether you go with Fanta or Sunkist, orange soda is a treat that’s delicious for kids of all ages.
Mississippi won’t settle for just any old soda—they need Sunkist. What better drink to enjoy alongside a hot dog or hamburger on a warm summer day?
Faygo is based in Michigan, but Missouri loves this soda, too. Try the peach flavor!
Montana residents are searching for Pepsi more than they are for Coke! You do you, Montana.
If you live in Nebraska, there’s a fair chance you’ve Googled this lemon-lime soda. Hey, it’s caffeine-free!
Lest you think Sunkist and Fanta have cornered the market on orange soda, Crush is here to prove you wrong. Don’t like orange? Crush also comes in other flavors, including watermelon and peach.
Whether you’re pairing Diet Coke with popcorn while watching a movie or you’re drinking a can of it with your lunch, there’s no wrong way to consume this classic drink.
Read more: We Tasted 9 Diet Sodas & This Is the Best
Not into Red Bull? There’s another energy drink to catch your eye: Monster. Doesn’t the name just sound like it’ll give you energy?
The only question is, are New Mexico residents fans of Schweppes or Canada Dry?
New York is another state that loves this Michigan-born soda.
North Carolina’s most-searched soda isn’t Cheerwine or Pepsi, though both were born in the state. Instead, North Carolinians love root beer.
While other states prefer Diet Coke, those in North Dakota enjoy Coke Zero.
If Google trends are any indication, Faygo is more popular than you’d think.
We’d like to think Oklahoma residents are enjoying cream soda the Italian way, with plenty of fruit-flavored syrup.
The doctor is in! In Oregon, that is.
Whether sweet or unsweetened, iced tea is the beverage of choice for those in Pennsylvania.
As this list has demonstrated, Rhode Island has plenty of orange soda options to choose from.
South Carolina is another state that’s a fan of Nehi and its delicious fruit flavors.
Enjoying a root beer float at home? If you’re in South Carolina, you’re in good company.
Is there anything better than an ice-cold lemonade enjoyed on your front porch? Tennessee does Southern living right.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the state’s affinity for cream soda.
Did you think we were done talking about Crush? Well, Utah has a surprise up its sleeve!
Vermont is another state enthralled by cream soda, and we can’t blame them.
The European soda has Virginians under its spell.
This lime-flavored soda might not be as popular as Sprite, but it’s every bit as tasty.
You don’t have to live in the mountains to enjoy this bright-colored drink.
Jolly Good Soda is Wisconsin-made, and it’s the most popular drink on Google in the state, too. You can’t go wrong with any flavor of this local legend.
Zero sugar and calories don’t mean zero taste—just ask Wyoming.
Whether or not you agree with your state’s pick, this list just might inspire you on your next trip to the grocery store.